Department of Materials Science and Engineering

       The Thermo-Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA), measures the weight loss of a sample as a function of temperature. The sample is placed into the sample holder suspended from a micro-gram balance on a long hang down wire. The wire is connected to the balance lever by a small quartz link to prevent static build up. The weight of the sample holder configuration is electromagnetically balanced allowing precise measurements. A furnace is then raised over the sample and balance and the sample is taken to the desired temperature. As the weight of the sample changes with temperature it is recorded by the micro balance.